Integrated wound dressing system

ABSTRACT

An integrated wound dressing system and method including a bandage and a self-contained receptacle that stores treatment material for the care and treatment of wounds. The treatment material is easily accessible and can be removed from the receptacle through an exit. The treatment material can then be used to control bleeding and/or clean the wound before dressing. The bandage may include a layer of plastic that acts as an occlusion barrier to reduce heat loss and maintain moisture levels at the wound site. The occlusion barrier also acts to prevent the passage of air into or out of the wound site. The bandage also includes fasteners that act to prevent unintentional unraveling and to secure the bandage during final packaging. These fasteners help facilitate the wrapping of amputations, stumps, and extremities. The integrated wound dressing system provides an all-in-one system for treating and dressing wounds and reduces the time required to do so.

I. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/737,096, filed on Apr. 18, 2007. U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/737,096 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/746,539, filed May 5, 2006, which is incorporated herein byreference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/737,096 also claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/822,198, filedAug. 11, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.

II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an integrated wound dressing system forthe care and treatment of wounds. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to an all-in-one wound dressing system and methodhaving a bandage, treatment material, and fasteners in an integratedunit for quickly and effectively treating a wide array of wounds.

III. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the leading causes of death on military battlegrounds and inhospital trauma units is severe blood loss and the associated shock thatit produces. Therefore, one of the most vital priorities of caregivers(medics, first responders, and medical providers) is to control and stopbleeding. There are many devices and methods that may be employed tocontrol bleeding. One of the most commonly used devices for bleedingcontrol is the elastic bandage.

Elastic bandages have been known in the prior art for many years. Thesebandages are sometimes called “roller” bandages or “wraps” and come inrolls having various fasteners, such as Velcro®, metal clips, or tape.They are sold under brand names such as ACE® wrap.

Elastic bandages are a preferred wound dressing by caregivers rangingfrom physicians and trained medics to individual first responders withminimal first aid training. Elastics bandages are highly adaptable totreat a range of wounds and conform to virtually any body part. Elasticbandages provide many benefits at the wound site, including applyingvarying degrees of compression and support to the wound, as well asproviding a sterile barrier around the wound. Compression and support iseffective in controlling bleeding, and reducing pain and swelling in thearea around the wound. The sterile barrier reduces the risk ofcontamination and infection of the wound.

Elastic bandages are also effective in applying and securing othertreatment medicaments and materials to the wound site. One material thatis often used in wound dressing and treatment is a woven fabric orgauze. Gauze is effective in controlling bleeding and can be placeddirectly on the wound to provide focused treatment at the wound site.Gauze is also used as a sterile material to remove foreign matter fromthe wound site.

Many currently available bandages act to cover the wound site. Theirmain function is to keep the wound site clean, not to controlhemorrhage. In order to control hemorrhage, another material, such asgauze, must be used at the wound site. The gauze can then be covered andwrapped by the bandage. These bandages require the introduction and useof other materials to properly treat a wound.

There are presently available hemostatic dressings that are designed topromote the accelerated clotting of blood at wounds. Examples of thesedressing are the HemCon® bandage (HemCon Inc., Tigard, Oreg., U.S.A) andQuickClot® (Z-Medica Corporation, Wallingford, Conn., U.S.A.). Whilethese products generally promote clotting, they still require theapplication of direct pressure to the wound site in order to beeffective.

While the above described wound treatments are suitable, the handlingand use of the various separate components can be cumbersome and timeconsuming which increases the risk of blood loss and associatedcomplications. Also, the introduction of multiple components to thewound site increases the risk of contamination and infection.Notwithstanding the usefulness of the above-described treatments, a needstill exists for a fully integrated wound treatment system and methodfor treating wounds quickly and effectively while reducing the risk ofcontamination and infection.

IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a wound dressingsystem, comprising a wrap; a receptacle disposed on said wrap; and, atreatment material disposed inside said receptacle, said receptacleincluding an exit to facilitate removal of said treatment material.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, an integratedwound dressing system, comprising a bandage suitable for dressing awound; a receptacle disposed on said bandage, said receptacle comprisinga wound surface including a layered structure; at least one pressuremember in communication with said bandage; and, a treatment materialdisposed inside said receptacle, said receptacle including an exit tofacilitate removal of said treatment material.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a method ofapplying the wound dressing system to a wound, comprising removing thetreatment material from the receptacle; contacting the wound with thetreatment material; and, contacting the treatment material with thewrap.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention, a methodof applying the wound dressing system to a wound, comprising removingthe treatment material from the receptacle; applying the treatmentmaterial to the wound; applying the pressure member to the wound via thetreatment material; and, applying the bandage to the wound via thepressure member.

V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical orfunctionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cut away view of an exemplary embodiment of theintegrated wound treatment system in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 2( a) illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of theintegrated wound treatment system in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 2( b) illustrates a cut away view of the embodiment of theintegrated wound treatment system illustrated in FIG. 2( a).

FIG. 3( a) illustrates a cut away view of an aspect of the exit andpackaging configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 3( b) illustrates a cut away view of an aspect of the exit andpackaging configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 3( c) illustrates a cut away view of an aspect of the exit andpackaging configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 3( d) illustrates a cut away view of an aspect of the exit andpackaging configuration of the present invention.

FIGS. 4( a)-(b) illustrate perspective views of embodiments of theintegrated wound treatment system in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIGS. 5( a)-(c) illustrate exemplary embodiments of the integrated woundtreatment system, including receptacle, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIGS. 6( a)-(d) illustrate exemplary embodiments of a pressure memberthat may be used with the present invention.

FIGS. 7( a)-(d) illustrate exemplary embodiments of a fastener that maybe used with the present invention.

FIGS. 8( a)-(d) illustrate exemplary embodiments of a fastener that maybe used with the present invention.

Given the following enabling description of the drawings, the apparatusshould become evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 1 is directedto an integrated wound treatment system (“system”) 100. The system 100preferably includes at least an elastic bandage 110 and a receptacle (ormeans for storing sterile material and/or gauze) 120 disposed on theelastic bandage 110.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the receptacle 120 forms apocket and contains a sterile wound treatment material 140, e.g. gauze.The receptacle 120 includes a first surface 125 adapted for contact withthe wound. The surface may comprise a single layer structure or amultiple layer structure. In one embodiment, the surface includes anon-adherent pad layer 126, a plastic layer 130, or a combinationthereof. For example, in accordance with an aspect of the invention, thenon-adherent pad 126 is disposed on an exterior surface of thereceptacle 120 and forms a wound contacting surface 125.

In keeping with the invention, the wound treatment system 100 isprovided with an occlusion layer. For example, the plastic layer 130 isdisposed adjacent to the non-adherent pad 126. In some embodiments,plastic layer 130 is disposed adjacent an interior surface of receptacle120. In some embodiments, the plastic layer 130 can be removed fromreceptacle 120 and placed on the wound such that the plastic layer 130forms the wound contacting surface. Alternatively, if desired, theplastic layer 130 can be removed from the receptacle and discarded suchthat no occlusion layer is provided. In some embodiments, the plasticlayer 130 may be fixedly attached to the wound contacting surface 125such that when the dressing is applied, plastic layer 130 abuts thewound and forms an occlusion layer. The plastic layer 130 acts tomaintain moisture and heat levels at the wound site and impedes thepassage of air into or out of the wound site.

The non-adherent pad layer 126 minimizes the adhesion of the dressing tothe wound. The plastic layer 130 serves as an occlusion layer andprotects the treatment material 140 from contamination. The occlusionlayer is effective to provide a heat barrier that minimizes heat loss atthe wound site. This is particularly useful when dressing abdominalwounds which often lead to significant heat loss. Occlusion dressingshave also been found to promote faster healing.

The receptacle 120 includes an exit 150 that provides access to thetreatment material 140 and facilitates controlled withdrawal oftreatment material 140. The exit 150 may include any element, orcombination of elements, that allow for the removal of the treatmentmaterial 140 from the receptacle 120. For example, the exit 150 maycomprise any of a slit, an opening, an overlapping flap, or any similararrangement that allows the treatment material 140 to be controllablyremoved from the receptacle 120. See FIGS. 1 and 2( b).

The receptacle 120 preferably has a low-profile design and provides asubstantially flat pocket having a generally uniform distribution oftreatment material 140 throughout the receptacle. The receptacle 120 andtreatment material 140 are configured to store a sufficient amount oftreatment material 140 to clean and treat a range of wound sizes andseverities. The caregiver removes the treatment material 140 from thereceptacle 120 by pulling the treatment material 140 through the exit150. The desired amount of treatment material 140 may be readilyselected by the caregiver. This is beneficial when treating multiplewounds, for example both entry and exit wounds, with the same dressing.In some embodiments, the treatment material 140 may be divided intoportions of predetermined size, for example, with a perforated boundarybetween portions.

Once selected, the treatment material 140 is used to provide sterilecleaning of the wound. If no cleaning is necessary, or if controllingthe bleeding is more vital, the treatment material 140 is placed on thewound, as needed. The elastic bandage 110 is then placed over the woundarea and the wound is wrapped. The elastic bandage 110 may be wrappedsuch that it provides the desired compression to the wound in order toassist in bleeding control. In accordance with an aspect of theinvention, the treatment material 140 may include a blood coagulant toprovide additional control of bleeding. Exemplary coagulants includeChitosan, Fibrinogen and Thrombin.

In keeping with the invention, the elastic bandage 110 may also includefasteners or brakes 160 provided on at least one surface. The fasteners160 are provided to assist with application of the bandage 110 and tominimize the unintentional unraveling of the bandage 110 duringapplication. The fasteners 160 also facilitate securing the bandage 110during final packaging. The fasteners 160 may include a variety ofsuitable fasteners that are applied in a variety of configurations. Forexample, the fasteners 160 may include a plurality of spaced apartVelcro® or adhesive strips 160, as shown in FIG. 1. The fasteners 160may be disposed on the bandage 110 only, on the receptacle 120 only, oron both the bandage 110 and receptacle 120. Each fastener 160 may bespaced from adjacent fasteners 160 by a distance d, which distance canbe up to several inches. Alternatively, the distance between fasteners160 may vary. Also, see fasteners 160 in FIG. 4( a).

In accordance with the present invention, the treatment material 140 andexit 150 may be variously configured. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,the receptacle 120 includes an exit 150 comprising a slit. The treatmentmaterial 140 is packaged in the receptacle 120 in an s-shapedconfiguration with the end of the treatment material 140 abutting exit150. The treatment material 140 may be pulled through the exit 150 bythe caregiver during application. The treatment material 140 may beremoved in an amount selected by the caregiver and used as needed,either to clean and/or pack the wound.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 2( a), the receptacle 220 includes anexit 250 formed by an overlapping flap that extends over the width ofthe receptacle 220. The treatment material (not shown) is packagedinside the receptacle 220 and removed from the receptacle through theoverlapping flap 250, as needed. Receptacle 220 may also includenon-adherent pad 226 and a plastic layer 230.

FIG. 2( b) illustrates a cut away view of the present invention as shownin FIG. 2( a). This view more clearly illustrates the packaged treatmentmaterial 240 inside the receptacle 220. The treatment material 240 ispackaged in an accordion fold where the end of the material 240 abutsthe overlapping flap. Consequently, the end of the treatment material240 can be readily removed from the receptacle 220 by the caregiverthrough the overlapping flap 250.

FIGS. 3( a)-(d) illustrate various packaging configurations of thetreatment material 340 of the present invention. FIG. 3( a) illustratesthe treatment material 340 packaged inside the receptacle 320 in anaccordion-folded configuration with an end slightly protruding from exit350. FIG. 3( b) illustrates the treatment material 340 packaged insidethe receptacle 320 in a top-folded configuration with an end slightlyprotruding from exit 350. FIG. 3( c) illustrates the treatment material340 packaged inside the receptacle 320 and removed from the receptaclethrough exit 350. The material 340 is shown being removed in aflat-rolled configuration. FIG. 3( d) illustrates the treatment material340 packaged inside the receptacle 320 in an s-folded configuration. Ineach case, the end of the treatment material 340 extends from thereceptacle through exit 350.

In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG.4( a), the integrated wound treatment system 400 includes a rolledelastic bandage 410 having a receptacle 420 disposed on the bandage. Thereceptacle 420 may be a pocket formed of a resilient material, such asfoil or plastic. In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, exit450 may be positioned to face the rolled portion of bandage 410. Such anarrangement may simplify and accelerate application of the woundtreatment system. Alternatively, exit 450 may face away from the rolledportion of bandage 410.

The rolled bandage 410 also includes fasteners 460 placed on the bandage410. As illustrated in FIG. 4( a), a plurality of fasteners 460 aredisposed on the exposed or exterior surface of bandage 410 in spacedrelationships to each other. In accordance with the invention, fasteners460 may be disposed on bandage 460 on the interior surface, the exteriorsurface or both surfaces, and may be placed in a variety oforientations. For example, in one embodiment, the fasteners 460 begin afew inches from the receptacle 420 and are placed every few to severalinches over at least a portion of the bandage and in some embodimentsover the length of the bandage.

In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG.4( b), the integrated wound treatment system 400 includes a rolledelastic bandage 410 having a receptacle 420 disposed on the bandage. Thereceptacle 420 may be formed by folding the bandage 410 onto itself tocreate a pocket. The pocket may be formulated by, e.g., stitching thefolded portion of the bandage as illustrated by stitches 470 whilemaintaining an opening 450 on at least one side. The pocket may bepositioned adjacent a wound pad 426 disposed on the bandage 410.Treatment material, such as gauze and/or occlusive plastic sheeting, maybe disposed inside the receptacle 420 to treat the wound.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as illustratedin FIGS. 5( a)-(c), the integrated wound treatment system 500 includes arolled elastic bandage 510 and a sealed receptacle 520 having treatmentmaterial 540 packed inside, e.g. hemostatic gauze. The bandage 510 andreceptacle 520 may embody many sizes and orientations, including areceptacle 520 that is separate and detached from the bandage 510, asshown in FIG. 5( a), a receptacle 520 having stitches 570 affixing it tothe bandage 510, as shown in FIG. 5( b), or a receptacle 520 that isremovably attached to the bandage 510, for example by Velcro®. Thereceptacle 520 may be made of a resilient material or gauze and mayinclude removable gauze 540, removable occlusive plastic sheeting 530,and a closure flap or exit 550, as shown in FIG. 5( c). The receptacle520 is opened just prior to use and the hemostatic gauze 540 is removedfrom inside the receptacle 520 and applied directly to the wound. Thereceptacle 520 and/or occlusive plastic sheeting 530 may be optionallyplaced over the gauze 540 to provide an occlusion layer. The elasticbandage 510 is then placed over the wound area and the wound is wrapped.The elastic bandage 510 may be wrapped such that it provides the desiredcompression to the wound in order to assist in bleeding control. Thebandage may also include optional Velcro® and/or adhesive strips 560 toassist in wrapping and securing the bandage 510, as shown in FIG. 5( b).

To assist in providing compression to the wound, the wound treatmentsystem may include a member, i.e. a structural element about which thebandage may be wrapped to increase pressure on the wound. FIGS. 6(a)-(d) illustrate exemplary embodiments of a pressure bar or member thatmay be used with the present invention. The pressure bar 600 is designedto have sufficient rigidity and may also have various surface shapes,including assorted protrusions and flat surfaces. The pressure bar 600may be utilized along with the bandage 610 to apply an additional degreeof pressure to the wound. This additional pressure is instrumental inproviding extra control of bleeding at the wound site.

The pressure bar 600, as shown in FIGS. 6( a)-(b), is made of a lengthof resilient material having a protrusion 620 in the form of an arcuateor curved surface. The pressure bar 600 may also include a brace 630that extends the length of the protrusion. The brace 630 providesadditional support and rigidity to the protrusion 620 and allows thepressure bar 600 to maintain its shape and effectively provide pressureto the wound. The pressure bar 600, as shown in FIGS. 6( c)-(d), mayalso have a protrusion 620 in the form of a bowl-like surface. Thisembodiment may optionally include a brace, not shown, that extends thelength of the bowl-like surface. The pressure bar 600 is utilized byapplying the surface of the pressure bar 600, particularly theprotrusion 620, next to the wound or wound pad. The protrusion 620 ofthe pressure bar 600 is preferably applied to the wound pad in order toapply sufficient pressure to control bleeding. The bandage is thenwrapped around the wound.

The pressure bar 600 further includes flaps 640 for attaching thepressure bar 600 to the bandage. The flaps 640 may also includeattachment means for attaching the pressure bar 600 to the bandage 610.These attachment means may include, for example, stitching, Velcro®,clips or other attachment means. The flaps 640 may also be made of aresilient material that provides additional support and rigidity to thepressure bar 600.

FIGS. 7( a)-(d) and 8(a)-(d) illustrate exemplary embodiments offasteners that may be used with the present invention. FIG. 7( a)illustrates a front view of a retainer clip fastener 760 formed of twohinged members 762, 764. The hinged members include a perimeter member762 and an interior member 764. The hinged members are coupled togetherat a hinged end 766 and separate at an open end 768, as illustrated inside view FIG. 7( b). The hinged end provides a certain amount oftension between the two separable hinged members 762, 764. The fastener760 works by inserting the open end 768 over a wrapped bandage 710, asillustrated in FIGS. 7( c) and (d). The tension provided by the hingedmembers 762, 764 helps secure the bandage and prevents unraveling. Oneor several retainer clip fasteners 760 may be used to secure the bandage710.

FIG. 8( a) illustrates a side view of an E-clip fastener 860 that may beused with the present invention. The E-clip fastener 860 is formed of athin back member 862 having three or more teeth members 864 that projectfrom the back member 862. The E-clip fastener 860 works by inserting theteeth into a wrapped bandage 810, as illustrated in FIG. 8( d). At leastone of the teeth members 864 includes a hook 866 that attaches to thebandage 810. The teeth members 864, including hook(s) 866, help securethe bandage and prevent unraveling. One or several E-clip fasteners 860may be used to secure the bandage 810.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of particularpreferred and alternative embodiments, it is not limited to thoseembodiments. Alternative embodiments, examples, and modifications whichwould still be encompassed by the invention may be made by those skilledin the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations andmodifications of the preferred and alternative embodiments describedabove can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scopeof the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than asspecifically described herein.

vii. Industrial applicability

The above-described invention is useful for the treatment and dressingof wounds by reducing the time required to treat and dress a wound. Theinvention is particularly useful in providing means for quicklycontrolling bleeding in situations where there are limited treatmentmaterials or where time is vital.

1. A wound dressing system, comprising: an elongated bandage strip; apocket contiguous to said bandage strip, said pocket including a topwall, the top wall including an interior surface and an exteriorsurface, the exterior surface adapted for contact with a wound, whereinsaid pocket further includes an opening; an overlapping flap coveringsaid opening; and a treatment material removably disposed in theinterior of said pocket, wherein said treatment material is controllablyremovable from said pocket through said at least one opening.
 2. Thewound dressing system of claim 1, further comprising a wound padattached to an interior surface of said top wall.
 3. The wound dressingsystem of claim 1, further comprising a wound pad attached to theexterior surface of said top wall.
 4. The wound dressing system of claim1, wherein said pocket includes a layered structure.
 5. The wounddressing system of claim 4, wherein said layered structure includes aremovable plastic layer.
 6. The wound dressing system of claim 1,wherein said pocket is attached to said bandage strip via hook and loopfasteners.
 7. The wound dressing system of claim 1, wherein said bandagestrip includes at least one fastener disposed on at least one surface.8. The wound dressing system of claim 1, wherein said treatment materialis folded.
 9. The wound dressing system of claim 8, wherein said fold isconfigured to form one of an accordion fold, top fold, flat roll, or Sfold.
 10. The wound dressing system of claim 8, wherein said treatmentmaterial protrudes from said opening.
 11. The wound dressing system ofclaim 1, wherein said treatment material includes gauze having a bloodcoagulant.
 12. The wound dressing system of claim 1, further comprisingan occlusion layer removably disposed in said pocket.
 13. The wounddressing system of claim 1, wherein said bandage includes a rolledportion and said opening faces the rolled portion.
 14. An integratedwound dressing system, comprising: an elongated bandage suitable fordressing a wound, said bandage having first and second ends; a pocketattached to said bandage proximate one of the first and second ends,said pocket having an opening; and sterile treatment material disposedin said pocket, wherein said sterile treatment material is folded gauzeand said folded gauze includes a first end abutting said opening suchthat said folded gauze can be controllably removed from said pocketthrough said opening.
 15. The integrated wound dressing system of claim14, wherein said folds are configured to form one of an accordion fold,top fold, flat roll, or S fold.
 16. A method of applying the wounddressing system of claim 14 to a wound, comprising: removing thetreatment material from the pocket; directly applying the treatmentmaterial to a wound; and applying the pocket to the wound.
 17. The wounddressing system of claim 14, wherein said pocket is attached to saidbandage strip via hook and loop fasteners.
 18. The wound dressing systemof claim 14, wherein said bandage strip includes at least one fastenerdisposed on at least one surface.
 19. A wound dressing system,comprising: a pocket, said pocket including a top wall, the top wallincluding an interior surface and an exterior surface, said exteriorsurface adapted for contact with a wound, and at least one opening; andfolded treatment material removably disposed in the interior of saidpocket and configured to be controllably removable from said pocketthrough said at least one opening, wherein said sterile treatmentmaterial is folded and includes a first end abutting said opening suchthat said treatment material can be controllably removed from saidpocket through said opening.
 20. The wound dressing system of claim 19,further comprising a wound pad attached to the interior surface of saidtop wall.
 21. The wound dressing system of claim 20, wherein said woundpad includes a layered structure.
 22. The wound dressing system of claim21, wherein said layered structure includes a removable plastic layer.23. The wound dressing system of claim 19, further comprising a woundpad attached to the exterior surface of said top wall.
 24. The wounddressing system of claim 23, wherein said wound pad includes a layeredstructure.
 25. The wound dressing system of claim 24, wherein saidlayered structure includes a removable plastic layer.